Monday, September 29, 2014

[113] MTSU digs ‘Tunnel of Love’ for students’ enlightenment Oct. 1

MURFREESBORO — The
annual “Tunnel of Love” is returning to MTSU, but contrary to its title, the
emphasis will not be on romance.

Sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Performance,
the event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, in the
Tennessee Room of the James Union Building.

Casie Higginbotham, a lecturer in the department, said
students, faculty and staff will be able to walk through the event in about 20
minutes to learn how sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted,
treated and prevented.

“We know that some of the most common infections, like
chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be asymptomatic and therefore persist in the body
for years because an individual does not seek treatment,” Higginbotham said.
“For women, this is especially damaging as it may compromise fertility later in
life.”

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that young people
age 15-24 make up about a quarter of the sexually active population, but
account for about half of new STI cases.

“We in (the Department of) Health and Human Performance want
the students on our campus to understand risk and prevention when it comes to
their sexual health,” said Higginbotham. “We believe that being informed about
STIs will lead students to responsible choices.”

Nashville CARES, a nonprofit organization with a mission “to
end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee,” according to
www.nashvillecares.org, will be on hand to provide free HIV testing.
Higginbotham said students will receive results within minutes.

Some professors may offer extra credit for attendance.
Students are asked to complete a worksheet provided at the event entrance and
return it to faculty as proof of attendance.